Mary Marie Wilgus

Mary Marie Wilgus, 79, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Born on July 17, 1945, in Aiken, SC she was a daughter of (the late) Erma Cotton (Bussell) and Coley Cotton.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we grieve the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. As the cornerstone of her family, and a woman of unshakable faith, Mary was a woman whose love knew no limits. She walked through life with kindness, care and an infinite belief in God’s love.

By profession and practice, Mary was a teacher with a servant’s heart. She lived fervently by the values she instilled- namely the importance of unconditional love, the necessity of forgiveness and the power of family. A humble and devoted leader, she guided others with wisdom, comforted them with compassion and inspired with grace. 

Mary was a gentle and selfless woman who always considered others first. She cultivated and nurtured a home that was open to all; A haven of warmth and laughter where everyone felt truly accepted, welcomed and cherished.

 Mary’s presence was our greatest blessing and our steadfast source of strength. She was the light and heart of a family that she fiercely adored. Her life is a beautiful testament of her faith and her patient, generous love, leaving behind a legacy to be honored and endured for generations to come.

While our hearts ache in Mary’s absence, we find peace knowing she is in eternal rest, reunited with her Lord and Savior.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her son John Wilgus III, her brother Edward Cotton, Mother in-law Eartha Lee Wilgus and Father in-law John Wilgus Sr.

Mary is survived by her loving husband John Wilgus Jr., daughter Michelle Drew (Shawn), son Michael Wilgus (Allison), grandsons John Wilgus IV (Brittany), Benjamin Drew, Zachary Drew (Alyssa), Parker Wilgus, granddaughters Jewel Wilgus, Grace Wilgus (Skyler), Rose Hall (RJ), great granddaughter Blakely Wilgus and great grandson Xavier Drew.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Stono Baptist Church, 953 Main Road, John’s Island, SC 29455. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM, also at Stono Baptist Church. The burial will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.